Evaluation of brain findings in pediatric patients who underwent temporal bone magnetic resonance imaging due to congenital sensorineural hearing loss

This thesis aims to evaluate brain findings in pediatric patients who underwent temporal bone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to congenital sensorineural hearing loss. The study was conducted retrospectively between August 2019 and January 2024 at the Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine Department of Radiology. A total of 204 pediatric patients were included in the study. Detailed evaluations of temporal bone MRI images were performed, focusing on anomalies of the vestibulocochlear nerve, cochlea, vestibulae, and semicircular canals. In addition, brain MRI findings were analyzed for pathological changes such as white matter signal alterations, ventricular enlargement, cortical malformations, gliotic signal changes, brainstem hypoplasia, and arachnoid cysts. The relationship between brain findings and temporal bone pathologies was also investigated, and the results were supported by statistical analyses. The study revealed that 52% of the brain MRI findings were positive, including abnormalities such as white matter pathologies, ventricular variations, and cerebellar anomalies. Temporal bone MRI results showed aplasia, hypoplasia, and dysplasia in inner ear structures. Furthermore, white matter abnormalities were strongly associated with genetic syndromes and congenital infections. These findings highlight the critical role of MRI in identifying neurological and anatomical causes of hearing loss. The data obtained in this study emphasize the importance of detailed evaluations of brain and temporal bone pathologies in pediatric patients with congenital sensorineural hearing loss, particularly before surgical interventions such as cochlear implantation. Routine examination of temporal bone and brain MRI findings provides an effective approach for clinical management and contributes to the accurate diagnosis and treatment of these patients. Key Words: congenital sensorineural hearing loss, magnetic resonance, temporal bone, white matter, brain anomalies